Yesterday, I sent a letter to the doctor who heads the ethics committee at
my hospital expressing my concerns about the formula company marketing
practices in the Family Birth Place.  I specifically mentioned discharge
diaper bags, and dinners and supplies provided to staff members for their
personal use.  I sent copies to the Medical Director of the hospital,
Director of Patient Care Services, Director of Women's Health, OB Chief, and
Nursery Chief.

I freely used sections of a letter Gail Hertz had posted a year ago (and
offered to us for this purpose), and added to it for my specific hospital
and concerns.  I also included a list of references to substantiate my
concerns.

I have a very supportive manager (Director of Women's Health) who encouraged
me when I suggested trying this approach.  She has tried to eliminate the
diaper bags within the unit, but has met resistance, especially from the
Nursery Chief, and was unable to get them out.  I am hoping that raising it
as an ethical issue will work  It seems so clear-cut to me.

I'll let you know what happens.  I'd appreciate any words of encouragement
:-)  If anyone would like a copy of my letter, I'd be happy to share.

Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC
Rochester, New York

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